George Washington Papers
Documents filtered by: Author="Washington, George" AND Recipient="Bland, Martha Dangerfield" AND Period="Washington Presidency"
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-07-02-0335

From George Washington to Martha Dangerfield Bland, 18 March 1791

To Martha Dangerfield Bland

Philadelphia March 18. 1791.

With every disposition, my dear Madam, to serve you either in my public or private capacity, I have to regret that such is the nature of the request contained in your letter of the 23 ultimo as to preclude the possibility of my being useful to you in the matter to which it relates1—This will more fully appear from an opinion on the subject given by the Attorney General, to whom as a legal Character, and a friend, I submitted the consideration of your letter.2 His answer is herewith transmitted, and will serve, at least, to shew the ready compliance paid to your request by Madam, Your respectful and obedient Servant

G. Washington.

LB, DLC:GW.

1For Bland’s earlier association with Washington, see her letter to GW, 4 July 1790, source note. She had written to GW on 23 Feb. 1791 seeking his assistance in recovering a runaway slave.

2Randolph’s written opinion in the case has not been found.

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